Ralph Lauren donates $2 million to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

"I'm a born and bred New Yorker. I raised my family here and started my business here. The Tri-State area is home to thousands of our employees and our customers and we have a special and personal relationship with the affected areas," said the 73-year-old Bronx-born designer in a statement. "We want to support the selfless work of so many agencies, professionals and volunteers and hope that these donations will make it easier for our cities to rebuild and recover."

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The donation has been split between the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, the Robin Hood Relief Fund, the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, as well as local organisations for relief and rebuilding efforts in New Jersey, Connecticut, Long Island and Westchester County.

The $1 million donated to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City will be donated through the Ralph and Ricky Lauren Family Foundation, whilst the remaining $1 million will be donated by the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation.

In addition, Ralph Lauren has set up employee matching program with the American Red Cross for up to $1 million and will work closely with selected organisations for "in-kind donations" of clothing and other necessities.

"Our hearts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Sandy, including thousands of our employees throughout the region," said Glenn Murphy, CEO of Gap Inc. "We are proud to support the good work being done by the American Red Cross, and hope these contributions will make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering."